Introduction: Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique eight-digit lifetime identification number allotted by the Central Government to every individual who is, or intends to become, a director of a company in India, under Section 154 of the Companies Act, 2013. This page sets out the meaning of DIN, the definitions under Sections 153 and 154, the application routes via Form DIR-3 and SPICe+ Part B, the prohibition on more than one DIN under Section 155, and the triennial KYC requirement under Rule 12A.
Director Identification Number
A Director Identification Number (DIN) serves as a permanent personal identifier for an individual in the context of corporate directorships. Once assigned, a DIN is valid for life and is referenced on all forms, returns, and documents the person signs as a director. Crucially, the DIN is attached to the individual, not to any specific company or office, meaning the same DIN is used regardless of how many company boards the person serves on. However, a DIN can be deactivated if the holder fails to complete the required periodic Know Your Customer (KYC) filing.
DIN Vs DSC
A Director Identification Number (DIN) identifies an individual, distinct from a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), which authenticates documents signed on the MCA portal; a director requires both. Since 9 July 2011, DIN also serves as the Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) for LLPs. Existing company directors apply via Form DIR-3; incorporation applicants get DINs for up to three proposed directors directly through Form INC-32 (SPICe+) Part B.
How to Obtain a DIN
An application for a DIN follows one of two routes prescribed under Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. An individual proposed as a director of a company under incorporation obtains DIN directly through Part B of Form INC-32 (SPICe+) along with the incorporation application, for up to three proposed directors. An individual seeking appointment as a director of an existing company files Form DIR-3 separately on the MCA portal, signed with a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate and certified by a practising CA, CS or Cost Accountant.
Documents Required for DIN
- Copy of PAN card — mandatory for Indian nationals
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
- Residential address proof: Bank statement or utility bill
- A recent passport-size colour photograph
- For Foreigners: Copy of passport & Address Proof (duly Legalised)
Statutory Framework for DIN
| No | Subject | Key Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for allotment of DIN (Section 153) | Individual files Form DIR-3 with prescribed fee, PAN, and supporting identity and address proof |
| 2 | Allotment of DIN by the Central Government (Section 154) | DIN to be allotted within one month of receipt of the application |
| 3 | Prohibition on more than one DIN (Section 155) | One person, one DIN — no individual may hold or apply for a second DIN |
| 4 | The Director to intimate DIN to the company (Section 156) | Within one month of receipt of DIN by the director |
| 5 | Company to inform DIN to Registrar (Section 157) | Within fifteen days of intimation by the director |
| 6 | Obligation to indicate DIN (Section 158) | DIN to be quoted in every return, information, or particulars relating to a director |
| 7 | Penalty for default (Section 159) | Civil penalty up to ₹50,000 for default in Sections 152, 155, or 156, plus ₹500 per day for continuing default |
Legal Provisions
For the operative statutory language, refer to Sections 153 to 159 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rules 9 to 12A of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. The Bare Act and Rules are available on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs website at mca.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DIN and DSC?
Under which law is the Director Identification Number defined?
What is the format and validity of a Director Identification Number?
In This Article
Author Bio
Meet Sanjeev Kumar, a distinguished advocate before the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, and National Tribunals. Founding Partner of Juriskps Law Offices, a premier law firm, he specializes in commercial, corporate, tax, arbitration, and IPR matters. His incisive legal insights enrich Setindiabiz’s blog with expert commentary.
